I need to refresh the varnish on my 1955 - 18’ Continental. The hull planks are showing cracks where the old varnish has hardened and has split. My question is, do I just water sand the hull and then put several coats on new varnish on which will be flexible and won’t split out with the movement of the wood. The hull has been almost completely refastened with silicon bronze screws. I have also had problems with varnish on bungs wanting to blister. I have cut out the blister and tried to build up the varnish to be level with original. Hope the refinish takes care of the problem with the cracking.
Welcome to the hell! The sad truth is to do it right you know what you need to do. But, lets say you sanded and refreshed. And in the small places that are down to the wood, use some clear west or super glue, CLEAR, and use it like a filler. You can put masking tape over it, and remove the tape in a day, its like magic. The tape keeps it from running, and then you can sand and refresh over that. As far as cracking deep into the finish all over the place. Thats in need of a strip. I will also add, for some reason, this seems to be happening more and more. I am not sure if its the new varnish? Or? What
I have been using Epiphanes for all of the coats. I noted that when you had your boat redone you used I believe Interlux Schooner varnish or not Epiphanes. I may try to use a different kind. I so know that the new varnish may be flexible enough to not crack for awhile. Thanks for the reply.
Yes, I will be using epiphanes now BTW.
Thanks, I use clear finish gloss so I can recoat without sanding.